Embarking on the journey of creating a Homemade Pizza Sauce from scratch can be both fulfilling and exciting. This recipe delivers a rich, flavorful sauce that can transform any pizza into a gourmet delight.
Most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your home. However, the one ingredient you might need to pick up from the supermarket is tomato paste. It's a concentrated version of tomatoes and provides a deep tomato flavor to the sauce. Also, using fresh basil and oregano can significantly enhance the flavor compared to dried ones.
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Sauce
Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and garlic, it adds a hint of richness to the sauce.
Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
Tomatoes: The main component of the sauce that gives it a tangy taste.
Tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
Basil: Adds a refreshing, aromatic note.
Oregano: Delivers a warm and slightly balsamic taste.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
One reader, Gayle Sutter says:
This homemade pizza sauce recipe is a game-changer! It's bursting with fresh flavors and takes my homemade pizzas to the next level. The combination of herbs and tomatoes creates a rich, authentic taste that's unbeatable. It's incredibly easy to make and has become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Pizza Sauce
How to sauté onions and garlic: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and cook until tender for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to make tomato sauce smooth: After adding the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, use a whisk or a spoon to stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
How to thicken the sauce: Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, sugar, or herbs to suit your preference.
How To Make Homemade Pizza Sauce
Try making your own savory pizza sauce at home with this easy-to-follow recipe! It comes with a few simple ingredients, and takes less than an hour to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- ¼cuponionfinely minced
- 1garlic cloveminced
- 8oztomatoescrushed
- 3tbsptomato paste
- 1tspbasil
- 1tsporegano
- 1tspsugar
- ½tspsaltor to taste
Instructions
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Cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender for 10 minutes.
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Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and stir until smooth.
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Add the basil, oregano, sugar, salt and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to simmer and cook 30 minutes or until thickened.
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It’s ready then to be slathered onto pizza doughs, then bake, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 537.53kcal
- Fat: 41.67g
- Saturated Fat: 5.81g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 29.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.70g
- Carbohydrates: 41.29g
- Fiber: 8.80g
- Sugar: 26.66g
- Protein: 7.21g
- Sodium: 1222.61mg
- Calcium: 108.03mg
- Potassium: 1663.76mg
- Iron: 4.08mg
- Vitamin A: 200.86µg
- Vitamin C: 68.39mg
One Simple Technique to Elevate Your Homemade Pizza Sauce
To ensure your pizza sauce has a rich and robust flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic until they are caramelized. This process will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to your sauce. Additionally, using fresh basil and oregano can make a significant difference in the overall taste of your sauce. If you have the time, let the sauce simmer for an extended period, as the flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Pizza Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Multitask: While one component is cooking, use that time to prep other ingredients or clean up to maximize efficiency.
Invest in tools: Quality kitchen tools like sharp knives and efficient gadgets can significantly speed up the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of certain ingredients or dishes and freeze them for quick and easy meals later on.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in pizza sauce.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle sweetness to the pizza sauce.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient option with a similar flavor profile.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a convenient and consistent option for pizza sauce.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, adding a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the pizza sauce.
basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used as a substitute for fresh basil, providing a concentrated flavor and aroma to the pizza sauce.
oregano - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can be used as a substitute for fresh oregano, offering a robust and earthy flavor to the pizza sauce.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the pizza sauce.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for table salt, providing a clean and briny flavor to enhance the pizza sauce.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Homemade Pizza Sauce
Artful drizzle of olive oil: After the pizza is baked, delicately drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the top. This will add a luxurious sheen and depth of flavor to the sauce.
Sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan: Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan over the pizza. This will add a rich, savory note and a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with fresh basil: Add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor by garnishing the pizza with fresh basil leaves. This will elevate the visual appeal and provide a delightful aroma.
Serve on a wooden board: For a rustic and inviting presentation, serve the pizza on a beautiful wooden board. This will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the diners.
Accompany with flavored oils: Offer a selection of infused flavored oils, such as chili-infused or garlic-infused oil, on the side. This allows guests to customize their pizza experience and adds a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pizza Sauce at Home
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making pizza sauce as it can quickly and efficiently blend the tomatoes and other ingredients to the desired consistency.
Saucepan: A saucepan is essential for cooking the onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender. It's also used for simmering the sauce to thicken it to the perfect consistency.
The Best Ways to Store and Freeze Homemade Pizza Sauce
Once the pizza sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or jar. Seal it tightly to prevent any air from entering, which can cause the sauce to spoil quickly.
Label the container with the date you made the sauce, so you can easily keep track of how long it has been stored.
Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 5-7 days. The cool temperature will slow down the growth of bacteria and help preserve the sauce's freshness.
If you want to keep the pizza sauce for longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
Label the container or bag with the date and amount of sauce, so you can easily identify it later.
Place the container or bag in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months. The low temperature will prevent the growth of bacteria and preserve the sauce's flavor and texture.
When you're ready to use the frozen pizza sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, use the sauce within 3-4 days and do not refreeze it.
If you only need a small amount of sauce for a single pizza, consider freezing the sauce in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and use them as needed. This way, you can easily portion out the sauce without having to thaw the entire batch.
How To Reheat Leftover Pizza Sauce
The best way to reheat leftover homemade pizza sauce is to transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave the sauce in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the sauce heats evenly and doesn't dry out or splatter in the microwave.
Another effective method is to reheat the sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen it up and improve its consistency.
If you have a lot of leftover sauce, consider portioning it into smaller containers or freezer bags before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This way, you can easily reheat only the amount you need without having to thaw and reheat the entire batch. When reheating frozen sauce, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using one of the above methods to reheat it.
For a quick and easy way to enjoy leftover pizza sauce, try using it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or even mozzarella sticks. Simply reheat the sauce using one of the above methods and serve it alongside your favorite appetizers for a tasty snack or party dish.
If you find that your leftover pizza sauce has thickened up too much in the refrigerator, try blending it with a small amount of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes to help restore its original consistency. This can help make the sauce more spreadable and easier to use on your favorite pizza recipes.
Fascinating Trivia About Pizza Sauce You Didn't Know
The homemade pizza sauce recipe is a versatile base for various Italian dishes. It can be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, a topping for bruschetta, or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes. Its rich tomato flavor and aromatic herbs make it a delicious and convenient addition to many meals.
Is Making Your Own Pizza Sauce Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this homemade pizza sauce recipe is quite favorable for a household. The use of simple, readily available ingredients like tomatoes, onion, and garlic makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5. This versatile sauce can be used in various dishes, adding value to its cost-effectiveness. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and the ability to elevate a wide range of dishes.
Is Homemade Pizza Sauce Healthy?
This homemade pizza sauce recipe is relatively healthy compared to store-bought alternatives. It uses fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onion, and garlic, which provide essential nutrients and antioxidants. The recipe also includes herbs like basil and oregano, which add flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor and to avoid potential BPA exposure from can linings
- Increase the amount of garlic and herbs for added health benefits and flavor
- Consider adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture
To make this pizza sauce even more nutritious, you could try the following:
- Blend in some cooked and pureed vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to boost the fiber and vitamin content without significantly altering the taste
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and potential metabolism-boosting effects
- Experiment with using a portion of whole peeled tomatoes for a chunkier texture and more rustic feel
- Swap the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or omit it altogether if the tomatoes are sweet enough on their own
Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Pizza Sauce Recipe
This homemade pizza sauce recipe is a classic and versatile base for any pizza. The combination of onions, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will elevate your homemade pizzas to the next level. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a thick and luscious sauce that will perfectly complement your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a loaded meat lover's pizza, this sauce is a must-have for any pizza night. It's a simple yet essential recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.
Why trust this Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe:
This homemade pizza sauce recipe uses only the freshest ingredients, including tomatoes and onions for a rich, authentic flavor. The use of olive oil and fresh garlic adds depth and complexity to the sauce. With the perfect balance of basil and oregano, this sauce promises to elevate your pizza to a whole new level. Plus, the slow simmering process ensures a thick and hearty consistency, making it the ideal choice for any pizza topping. Trust in the quality and taste of this recipe to enhance your homemade pizzas.
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